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If you do one thing this summer in Vancouver, make sure you go to Bard on the Beach and see A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It is a gut busting good time. Your cheeks will hurt by the end of the production from all of the laughing and giggling you will do.
But how can something so confusing and stiff as Shakespeare be so funny, you ask?
Because of costumes like this.
Photo provided by Bard on the Beach
Because of moments where characters break their Shakespearean character and do something modern.
Because of perfectly timed & hilarious musical interludes.
Because of moments where characters break the 4th wall
Because you’ll fall in love with Puck. I had such a major crush on the character because of the way he was brought alive. Do you know how strange it is to say that about a Shakespearean character?!
Kyle Rideout as Puck. Photo provided by Bard on the Beach.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream tells a tale of three separate stories and how they’re interwoven. One story is about a complicated love square, another tells of a company of amateur actors and thirdly a group of fairies who end up causing a lot of trouble. The result is a comedy of mischief, lovesick characters and bumbling, but hilarious actors. The makings of a great production.
Bard on the Beach is a unique experience because of where it is located. Instead of a theatre, the production is produced outside in an open-ended tent in Vanier Park, looking out at the mountains, sea and setting sun. You know you’ve arrived when you see the red and white stripes of the Bard on the Beach tents. Between the two stages, each night, over a 1000 patrons are taking in a production. The night I was there, it was completely sold out.
Look at that gorgeous sunset! Photo provided by Bard on the Beach
Years ago, my high school did a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and as I was watching this production, memories from years ago were coming to the surface. Of course we were terrible in comparison, but it was fantastic to see a play that I already liked come to life in the most fantastic of ways.
What a cool looking stage! Lots of hidden tricks in here.
I left the theatre in the best of moods having fallen even more in love with the characters of the play. Bard on the Beach is a magical experience and you don’t even have to like Shakespeare. They make the play accessible and easy to understand despite the difficult language. No wonder they’re #3 on the list of things to do in Vancouver on TripAdvisor and were recently named one of the top 10 Shakespearean festivals for travellers by Lonely Planet. This year is extra special for them as they’re celebrating 25 years of Bard on the Beach. Whats even more incredible is that this whole organization is a non profit and have been run through generous donations and volunteers.
Fangirling with Megan from Wanderlust Megan and Leslie of Ms. Leslie Santos over Christopher Gaze, the Artistic Director of Bard on the Beach.
Even if you’re not able to go see this particular production, any of the plays by Bard on the Beach are sure to entertain. In the past I’ve seen productions of Twelfth Night, Macbeth and The Tempest (currently playing again this year) which were all great to watch.
So do yourself a favour if you’re in Vancouver in the summer and go watch and production at Bard on the Beach. It’s an evening well spent.
Bard on the Beach
Kits Point at the foot of Whyte Avenue
1695 Whyte Avenue, Vanier Park
http://www.bardonthebeach.org/
Good to Know
Want to read up on the play and all the characters before you go? The Bard website has lots of resources, plus the day of the play, they offer an “In the Nutshell” session that offers a summary of what you’re about to see.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is approximately 2h 30mins including intermission. The production contains smoke & haze. There is no photography allowed during the production. Cell phones must be turned off as well. There is a concession stand with snacks, tea and coffee available.
Tickets are very affordable with regular evenings going for $47, Sundays and Matinees for $35. See the full ticket prices here. When selecting tickets avoid sitting in the right-most section of the theatre (section 7). They get blinded by the sun as it sets. I felt so bad for the people sitting there using their hands and programs to block the sun.
Throughout the festival the Bard on the Beach also holds special events like an early performance and VIP viewing of the Celebration of Lights and and talks exploring the world of Shakespeare.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to the production courtesy of YVRBloggers. Needless gushing, fangirling, and opinions are all my own. This is an awesome production and I highly recommend it. I’m considering going again and dragging my family with me. It’s so good.
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If they can make Shakespeare funny, I’m totally down! Although i recognize he is a creative genius and his stories are incredible, I completely agree that I normally find his stuff a little stiff and boring… the outdoor aspect of the theatre is cool too!
Yup! Totally agreed. I was happily surprised when it was as entertaining and funny as it was.
Oh wow!! What an amazing place to go to the theatre and see a play! London has a few outdoor theatres, which are great but none with a view of mountains and sunset – I would absolutely love an evening doing this!
It’s so beautiful and definitely a treat to watch the sunset. I wish I had a chance to see something outside when I was in London, but the weather just wasn’t cooperating.
It’s a great play – in Melbourne there’s always a company putting it on in our botanical gardens! On the beach is a great idea! Would love to see it there!
Oh wow! How cool to see it in a garden! Is it under a tent or open air?
open air of course!
I nearly skipped over this, because Shakespeare.
But actually, this looks like fun! Maybe one day you could convince me to go 😉
Haha, I totally understand your apprehension. I wasn’t too sure what to expect either. It’s definitely fun 🙂
This looks like a fun night out! What a great way to see a Shakesperean play. I can certainly understand why it’s a top attraction. My kids may actually sit through this one 🙂 I’d love to attend and that stage is awesome. Thanks for introducing us to this.
Definitely! I think your kids would really enjoy all the humour and silly bits in it.
This looks awesome!!! I usually don’t like Shakespeare but I actually really liked Midsummer Nights Dream when I had to read it in high school. And confession: I totally had a huge crush on Puck too (even as a book character lol)!!
There’s just something endearing about Puck. Glad I’m not the only one either. 🙂
…OooOh–me likey the new layout!!…And Puck’s looking VERY sassy!!…
Thanks Betty 🙂 And yes! Puck was awesome and super cool.